Katz’s return breaks Cards affair

By Jon Couch

BACK HOME: John Katz

JOHN KATZ admits it was love at first sight when he first stepped foot into Woking’s Laithwaite Community Stadium.

The American businessman has revelled in a five-year affair with the National League Cards – the last three in his role as chief executive officer under the new regime at the Surrey club.

Now the Kingfield chief has announced he is to step down from his post to return to his family in the United States.

Katz told of his desire to move back home in March after a prolonged period in which he spent more than 90 per cent of his time in Woking.

He will remain active on the board of directors and will continue his non-matchday duties as football secretary.

Hands-on Katz enjoyed a productive three-year spell with the club, travelling to almost all the team’s away games, leading the women’s team when they were without a manager, and providing assistance to the football management team.

“I fell in love with this club the first time I came to the Laithwaite Community Stadium in April 2019,” Katz said in his farewell speech.

“I took in my first match in September 2019 and my second in January 2020 with my son. This club is my passion, and I will be involved with the club for the future.

“I will truly miss the day-to-day grind of working with the great members of our administrative team, our board and our football management team,”

Emanuele Palladino has been named interim CEO and will oversee operations for the next few months as the club restructures its management team.

Long-term general manager Dave Curtis has been promoted to chief operating officer and will continue to lead the club forward alongside Palladino.